Cathy Frye, a longtime reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, has taken over as spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Correction. Jennifer Gill, a name familiar to newspaper readers in Fort Smith, said she has left the Southwest Times Record after more than 16 years.

The lack of understanding of financial matters in the most basic way by offenders is truly amazing. In my opinion, it also contributes heavily to recidivism. It is already difficult to get on one’s feet with a criminal record; add to that the trouble understanding finance and you contribute to the revolving door of the system.

State Sen. Jane English has no use for the private option, the Medicaid expansion providing health insurance to the poor. But the Republican lawmaker from North Little Rock saw an opportunity and took it, and what began as an old-fashioned political horse trade — you get my vote, I get something for my constituents — appears likely to evolve into a governor-backed legislative package that next year will seek to transform workforce training in Arkansas.